Compliance Is Not Retroactive, And Dependent On Specific Installation Instructions

Rotax has completed compliance with the ASTM F2339 standards for the Type 503 engine, which was no small task given the age of the design and the complexity of the standard. The basic engine design is from the late 1970s, first produced in one version for snowmobiles starting in 1979.  The engine's original testing was done to a very different level, and all the original verification had to be completed, repeated, and supplemented with the latest requirements.

Rotax 503 Engine

Testing for durability had to be repeated. Even though the reliability of the engine has been very high, it had to meet the latest testing and requirements under ASTM.  Rotax took this up at the request of the distributor for the Americas to show support for the smaller OEM who would like to work with the engine in SLSA compliance. 

The only caveat is that the compliance is not retroactive. It applies to only the serial ranges of the latest production runs. Compliance is also dependent on following the installation, maintenance and service information for the engine that comes from Rotax. 

Engines with serial number 6479168 and higher are ASTM compliant.  A written compliance statement (example below) is available for each engine on request.

BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG hereby declares that the aircraft engine or part of thereof as described in the statement of compliance conforms to the applicable ASTM 2339-06 ( Reapproved 2009 ). No features or characteristics are found which would make the engine unsafe provided it is installed, operated and maintained in accordance with instructions and limitations as defined by BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG approved documentation.

The engine S/N mentioned above also complies to the ASTM standard provided it is installed, operated and maintained in accordance with instructions and limitations as defined by BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG approved documentation and is not modified.

The product complies with the ASTM 2339-06 ( Reapproved 2009 ) regarding our quality system for record keeping and instructions for continued airworthiness.

FMI: http://rotaxflyingclub.com